The Indy Ignite's record-setting season ended in a semifinal upset against the Omaha Supernovas. Coach Lauren Bertolacci expressed disappointment for her team's hard work.
Key points
Indy Ignite lost in the semifinals of Major League Volleyball playoffs
They had a 2-1 lead before losing to Omaha Supernovas
Coach Lauren Bertolacci expressed disappointment
Omaha came back to win the decisive fifth set
Indy Ignite is preparing for the 2027 season
Indy IgniteOmaha SupernovasMajor League Volleyball
One word describes end to Indy Ignite's record-setting season. They're already gearing up for 2027
FRISCO, TX — For the third season in a row, the top seed of the Major League Volleyball playoffs was upset by the fourth seed in the semifinals.
On Thursday night, the Indy Ignite bore the curse. Two teams took different paths to the semifinals, and it was the Ignite who took a 2-1 lead. But Omaha battled back for a 25-20 win in Set 4, and stormed back from down 8-5 to win 15-13 in a decisive fifth set.
“No other word for it than brutal,” Ignite coach Lauren Bertolacci said. “I feel very disappointed for the girls that worked so hard this season. They deserve to be fighting for a championship.”
In 2025, the Ignite completed the upset against No. 1 Omaha, advancing to the championship. In 2026, the two squads split their season series 2-2. In the end Thursday, Omaha (15-14) got the last laugh.
“They’re a phenomenal team,” interim Supernovas coach Thomas Robson said. “You really have to challenge them from the serve line. You have to take risks. Tonight, we took risks, and they paid off.”
The Indy Ignite huddle in the semifinal match against the Omaha Supernovas on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Q&A
What was the outcome of the Indy Ignite's playoff match against Omaha?
The Indy Ignite lost to the Omaha Supernovas in the semifinals after leading 2-1.
Who is the coach of the Indy Ignite and what did she say about the loss?
Coach Lauren Bertolacci described the loss as 'brutal' and expressed disappointment for the players.
How did the Omaha Supernovas come back to win the match against Indy Ignite?
Omaha Supernovas won by taking Set 4 and then coming back from an 8-5 deficit to win 15-13 in the fifth set.
What are the Indy Ignite's plans for the future after their playoff exit?
The Indy Ignite are already gearing up for the 2027 season following their playoff exit.
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Indy Ignite libero prepares to receive against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite libero surveys the court against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite setter Mia Tuaniga, right, celebrates a point with opposite Azhani Tealer against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite middle blocker Jaelyn Keene celebrates a point as Anna DeBeer (14), Kayla Lund (23) look on against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite setter Mia Tuaniga passed to middle blocker Lydia Martyn against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh serves against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh serves against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh serves against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite opposite hitter Azhani Tealer rests before a point against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite libero Elena Scott gestures against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy Ignite libero Elena Scott communicates against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Roncalli native Emma Halter serves for the Indy Ignite against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
1 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
The Indy Ignite huddle in the semifinal match against the Omaha Supernovas on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
1 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
The Indy Ignite huddle in the semifinal match against the Omaha Supernovas on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
2 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite libero prepares to receive against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
3 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite libero surveys the court against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
4 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite setter Mia Tuaniga, right, celebrates a point with opposite Azhani Tealer against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
5 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite middle blocker Jaelyn Keene celebrates a point as Anna DeBeer (14), Kayla Lund (23) look on against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
6 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite setter Mia Tuaniga passed to middle blocker Lydia Martyn against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
7 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh serves against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
8 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh serves against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
9 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh serves against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
10 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite opposite hitter Azhani Tealer rests before a point against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
11 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite libero Elena Scott gestures against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
12 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Indy Ignite libero Elena Scott communicates against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
13 / 13
Top-seeded Indy Ignite play the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 MLV playoffs
Roncalli native Emma Halter serves for the Indy Ignite against the Omaha Supernovas in a MLV semifinal on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
In her first season as Ignite coach, Bertolacci steered Indy to an MLV-record 23 regular-season wins. Bertolacci’s team boasted four MLV first-teamers – middle blocker Lydia Martyn, libero Elena Scott, opposite hitter Azhani Tealer and setter Mia Tuaniga.
Martyn, who finished second in MLV kill percentage (49.8) and fourth in efficiency (.355), and had 12 kills against Omaha, played for Ignite in 2025, too. Even in a season where Martyn was impeded by injury (citing herniated discs and torn ligaments), she said Indy’s bond had never been stronger.
“There was so many of us from last season, too, but we didn’t have anything remotely close to just the environment that we have now,” Martyn said.
Omaha’s season couldn’t have been any more different from the Ignite (23-6). The Supernovas barely finished at .500, and had zero players on the first team roster. Robson didn’t even assume the lead coaching role until early April. Despite that, Robson felt that his team was on par with anyone in the league – including the Ignite.
He was proven right, as his team grinded out an impressive five-set win against Indy for the second time this season. Omaha was the only team to defeat Indy in five sets all season.
Despite not reaching their goal of a championship and the $1 million prize, Scott and Martyn both voiced their pride in their teammates.
“I don’t think any other team has the connection we do, which is why this loss brings us so much pain,” Scott said. “It’s really hard to get to this point, only four teams can do it, and we’ve broken records and all of the things. So I’m just super proud of us.”
Martyn, fighting through tears at the postgame news conference, said that even though the results weren’t what she hoped, she’s already ready for next season.
“I’m already thinking about next year,” Martyn said. “I’m very excited for what’s to come.”
Bertolacci already signed a contract extension through 2029, and spoke of wanting to grow the sport in America and bring an entertaining brand. She's won a lot, including six titles in seven seasons with Swiss powerhouse Viteos NUC, which were 207-37.
She stated her goal when she signed with Indy was to win championships, which she'll work toward as the Ignite build for 2027.
